We understand that you may have questions about preparing for emergencies. So we have listed the most important questions and answers for you. That way, you can quickly see what you can do.
Prepare
The information booklet will be sent nationwide between 25 November 2025 and 10 January 2026. Did you not receive the information booklet? You can also view the booklet digitally or request an additional information booklet via your local council. View the information booklet digitally in English.
We live in freedom and safety. But there are threats that put our safety in jeopardy. There are places in the world where it is already unsafe. Some of which are close by, take the war in Ukraine, for instance.
Fortunately, the Netherlands is not at war, but it is not at peace either. Other countries are trying to exert influence on our country. For example, via the internet, by spreading fake news. But also by attacking key systems. They are already collecting information on our power cables, internet connections and gas pipelines right now, so they can damage them. Threats from extreme weather, such as prolonged heat, flooding and heavy rainfall, are also becoming more common.
All of these threats mean that we could face emergencies. That is why it is important that we prepare well. Precisely at a time like this, being prepared gives peace of mind and a sense of control of the situation, and makes us strong together if an emergency arises.
€70 per adult and €30 per child. This is for the most essential expenses in the first 72 hours after a disaster. For example, water, food and transport. This amount is a guideline. Also consider your personal situation, e.g. food for your pet or medicine, and adjust the amount if necessary.
No, you don't have to. There is no emergency now. And many people already have cash at home. If you don’t, or you need more, withdraw some cash from an ATM over the next few months. And when you are given change, always set some aside for your emergency kit.
We realise that setting aside cash for emergencies is an issue for some households, and may not even be possible. Look at what is possible within your own budget. Cash is part of an emergency kit. The government is talking to municipalities and civil society organisations to explore whether vulnerable groups can be supported in putting this package together.
A copy of your passport or identity card should be part of your emergency kit as an (additional) means of identifying yourself. Being able to identify yourself can be crucial in emergency situations, for example when requesting help from the authorities, accessing important services or proving your identity to others.
If your original passport or identity card is lost or damaged, a copy can serve as a backup. This makes it easier to apply for a replacement. It is important to take care of these copies as carefully as the original document, including in an emergency kit.
We recommend a battery-powered radio that can receive FM and/or DAB frequencies. That way, you can be sure of being kept informed and notified by the authorities during an emergency, even if there is no power or internet connection. Each region has its own radio station and FM and DAB frequency. Check the list for the frequency in your region. Adjust your radio to the right frequency in advance.
With an emergency kit, you are prepared for disasters, calamities or emergencies. We therefore recommend putting together your own emergency kit. You probably have most of the stuff already. Check out the emergency kit checklist here. Every household is different. It is therefore important to supplement the emergency kit with specific things that you need, for example, medicines and pet food.
The government does not advise on specific brands or types of products in the emergency kit or the emergency kit itself. Instead, we recommend putting together your own emergency kit. You probably have most of the items at home already. Every household is different. That is why it is important to supplement the emergency kit with resources that are necessary for you, for example, medicines and pet food. Check out the comprehensive checklist of all the basics you need in the first 72 hours.
The recommendation is to prepare to do without basic essentials for 72 hours. The government recommends that you prepare for a situation where everyday amenities are no longer available. For example, electricity and water. In extreme situations, you might have to do without them for several days, and it could take a while to get the help you need.
You can prepare by putting together an emergency kit. Putting together an emergency kit is easier than you think. You probably have most of the stuff already.
The European Union recommends that all member states call on residents to be self-reliant for at least 72 hours and to communicate clearly about this. The Netherlands has adopted this recommendation.
We live in unpredictable times. It is increasingly important to be prepared for prolonged outages of amenities like electricity, drinking water or internet. That requires action from everyone. From the government, but also from you and those around you.
It’s best to keep items for the emergency kit in a convenient, easily accessible place. The bag is handy for carrying stuff around. You can put a bottle of water, (copies of) identity documents, cash and other small items in it if you suddenly have to leave your home during an incident.
The central government does not sell emergency kits. You should contact the emergency kit provider about that. Nor do we give advice on buying ready-made emergency kits. Instead, we recommend putting together your own emergency kit. It's easy and you probably have most of the stuff already. View the checklist at: Put together your emergency kit.
Think carefully about what items you will use in three days, such as medicines or medical aids. If you need help with this, you can ask your GP or pharmacy. Contact the supplier for questions about your medical devices. That includes questions about devices that use electricity, for example.
An emergency is often unexpected. And it is hard to predict how the situation will unfold. That is why it is a good idea to make clear arrangements in advance with the people around you. You can do that in an emergency plan. In it, you write down, for example, how to reach each other or find each other and who needs extra help. Check out the comprehensive emergency plan template to get started on your emergency plan.
It can be tricky to start the conversation about how to prepare for an emergency. We understand that. But more people are preparing than you might expect. Talk to family or neighbours, for example. Or talk about it with your GP, home care worker or teacher.
During a disaster
In the event of a disaster in your area, there are various measures you need to take. For example, closing windows and doors if you hear the siren. For more information on what to do, see This is how you’ll be alerted.
During a disaster, the government will issue warnings and provide information about the best course of action. It will do so via NL-Alerts or sirens. More information on this? Check out This is how you’ll be alerted.
Each region has its own radio station and FM and DAB frequency. Check the list for the frequency in your region. Adjust your radio to the right frequency in advance. On a DAB radio, you’ll automatically receive the region's regional broadcaster.
Having an emergency kit means you’ll be prepared for the first few days after a disaster or emergency. The basic contents will help you live at home for a few days without everyday amenities. If you have to evacuate, it may be useful to bring along certain important items from the emergency kit. For example (a copy of) your ID, a list of important phone numbers and cash. Every personal situation is different – you might need baby food, medicines and pet food, for example.
In the event of an incident or disaster, you will be informed online via the website of your municipality or safety region, or the website www.rijksoverheid.nl. There is also always a sign language interpreter at government press conferences; this option is also available to municipalities and safety regions.
During an emergency, the central government almost always communicates in Dutch and English. This might not apply for all radio and TV channels. The central government also communicates in English on all its websites, however. If it is not possible to communicate via websites during an emergency, messages on other channels will also be provided in English.